Pretend - a true crime podcast about con artists PRETEND+

LaDonna Humphrey. Remember that name because she is central to this story. I've tried to sum up this tale quickly, but every time I attempt an elevator pitch, I fail. When friends ask me what this new series is about, I'm at a loss for words. It's impossible to explain in just a few minutes.
I'm about to retell the story the way I learned it: completely out of order. By the end, you'll need a suspect board like the ones in the movies. I've conducted over 20 interviews and counting, and you're going to hear some far-fetched allegations from many different people—strangers who share one common thread: they've all crossed paths with LaDonna Humphrey.
There's a lot of he said, she said in this story, and I'll do my best to prove or disprove each claim. This series is going to be a long one, unfolding in real-time as you listen. By the end, I hope I've done enough for you to make up your own mind and understand why so many people are afraid of LaDonna Humphrey.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we explore the troubling allegations against LaDonna Humphrey surrounding the Melissa Witt case. Crime victim advocate Patti Rush shares her story, claiming that Humphrey, once seen as an ally, was actually behind years of harassment and deceit. From stolen evidence to questionable motives, we peel back the layers on a complicated figure.

Patti Rush, a dedicated crime victim advocate, shares her experiences and evidence, suggesting that Humphrey, who was once seen as a supportive ally, may have been orchestrating years of harassment and deceit. We'll discuss stolen evidence, questionable motives, and the broader implications for the true crime community.

Highlights:

[00:01:00] Alicia Lockhart's story of being tormented by "Fetish Master" and the shocking discovery that it might have been LaDonna Humphrey.

[00:04:00] Introduction of Patti Rush, her work with REVAMP, and her connection to the Melissa Witt case.

[00:08:00] Patti’s account of LaDonna's unusual access to the Melissa Witt case files and evidence.

[00:13:00] The story of the mishandling evidence and crime scene video posted online.

[00:16:00] Details of the harassment Patti faced after reporting the video to the police.

[00:20:00] Allegations of LaDonna’s desire for fame and how it influenced her actions.

[00:26:00] Discussion of Charles Ray Vines, a possible suspect in the Melissa Witt case, and why LaDonna ruled him out.

[00:31:00] Insights into LaDonna’s new suspect and ongoing investigations.

Call to Action: The story is far from over. Don’t miss out on the next part of this series. Listen to part three now on Patreon or PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast.

Links:

Patreon

PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast

Follow Us:

Twitter: @pretendpod

Instagram: @pretendpodcast

Facebook: Pretend Podcast

In part 3 of Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey, we explore the intense battle between Anthony Christopher and LaDonna. Anthony, LaDonna's former boss, shares his story of harassment, alleging LaDonna's relentless efforts to destroy his life and career. From sending spoof emails to unauthorized background checks, LaDonna's actions led to a legal showdown that landed her in jail for destroying evidence and contempt of court and awarded Anthony a multimillion-dollar judgment.

Highlights:

[00:00:00] Anthony Christopher introduces his experience of feeling isolated as LaDonna's victim and discovering other victims.
[00:02:00] Patti Rush speaks about finding empowerment after realizing she wasn't alone in being deceived by LaDonna.
[00:03:00] Anthony details the start of his professional relationship with LaDonna and her swift dismissal from Absolute Pediatrics.
[00:07:00] Nae Heintz discusses LaDonna's unauthorized background checks on colleagues.
[00:15:00] Anthony recounts the beginning of the harassment and the steps he took to address it, including filing a lawsuit.
[00:25:00] LaDonna admits to forwarding intimidating text messages under police questioning.
[00:30:00] The judge finds LaDonna in contempt of court for evidence spoliation and orders her to serve jail time.
[00:32:00] Anthony's attorney uncovers key phone records that contradict LaDonna's claims about her phone being stolen.
[00:36:00] LaDonna's damaging actions lead to a $3.5 million judgment in Anthony's favor.
[00:38:00] The broader impact of LaDonna's actions on other victims and the ongoing legal repercussions.

Part 4 is in the works. Please be patient as my team and I work through these next few episodes.

Follow Us:

Twitter: @pretendpod
Instagram: @pretendpodcast
Facebook: Pretend Podcast

LaDonna Humphrey, a respected true crime author and podcaster, has built a strong reputation through her detailed investigations. However, beneath her acclaimed public image lies a troubling undercurrent of allegations and dark secrets. As former associates, friends, and family come forward with disturbing claims. These people have never spoken out... until now.

The question arises: Who's really afraid of LaDonna Humphrey?
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Warning: This episode contains graphic discussions of pregnancy loss, sexual violence, and emotional abuse. Listener discretion is advised.
In this episode of "Pretend," listen to the chilling tale of Kaitlyn Braun, a woman who orchestrated an elaborate pregnancy hoax, affecting nearly 60 doulas across Ontario. Seanna Hayes, a doula from London, Ontario, provides a firsthand account of her experience with Kaitlyn Braun. The story begins on a stormy night when Seanna is called to assist Kaitlyn, allegedly in labor, only to discover a web of lies, manipulation, and betrayal that spans across multiple doulas and involves a series of fake medical emergencies and hospital visits.
This episode explores the psychological and emotional impact of Kaitlyn's actions on the doulas, the potential motives behind her behavior, and the aftermath of this bizarre case.
Stay tuned for Part Two, exclusively on Patreon and Pretend+ on Apple Podcasts, where we continue the conversation with another doula who shares a very different experience with Kaitlyn Braun.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second installment of "The Doula" series, we uncover new dimensions of Kaitlyn Braun’s elaborate pregnancy scams. This episode features a new doula speaking out about her experiences, the story of how Kaitlyn was finally caught, and a revealing interview with a former friend whom Kaitlyn also deceived.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices